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The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, today launched consultations on proposed amendments to the regulations governing the safe use of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs).

Transport Canada is exploring changes to the regulations that will address the growing popularity and economic importance of UAVs and integrate them safely into Canadian airspace. The department published a Notice of Proposed Amendment that highlights several proposed changes, including new flight rules, aircraft marking and registration requirements, knowledge testing, minimum age limits, and pilot permits for certain UAV operators.

Transport Canada will hold stakeholder consultations over the next 90 days to ensure the new regulations are effective, balanced, and fair. The first stakeholder roundtable took place today in Ottawa, with others to follow in different regions across the country. Feedback received during the consultation process will help inform the regulatory changes. The Canadian public will also have the opportunity to provide comments when the proposed amendments are published in Canada Gazette, Part I.

Quick Facts

The current rules will remain in effect until the new regulations are approved by the Governor in Council and published in Canada Gazette, Part II.

The proposed regulations apply to UAVs weighing 25 kg or less operated within visual line of sight.

Transport Canada intends to keep the Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) process for heavier UAVs and more complex operations.

Transport Canada issued 1,672 SFOCs for UAVs in 2014, up from 345 in 2012.

Quotes

“Transport Canada is proud to be at the international vanguard of UAV safety. The goal of these new proposed regulations is to support the enjoyment and development of this budding sector while keeping people on the ground and in the sky safe. I look forward to hearing from our stakeholders as I consult them in the coming months.”The Honourable Lisa Raitt Minister of Transport